And with speculation on Falcao’s future gathering momentum by the day, newly-crowned Copa del Rey champions Atletico are apparently willing to cash in on their prize asset, who reportedly has a £54million buy-out clause in his contract.

Fielding questions about Falcao in Singapore, Atletico’s general manager Miguel Angel Gil Marin said: ‘Before the start of the season we talked with [Falcao] and we promised him if he keeps the same performance and he helps us to arrive to the Uefa Champions League next season, Atletico will help you.

‘Every decision he will take, Atletico will be with him.’

And Marin was unconcerned at the prospect of finding a replacement of sufficient calibre.

‘Atletico knows how to change the good striker – Fernando Torres, [Diego] Forlan, [Sergio] Aguero, now Falcao,’ he added.

‘I don’t know exactly which will be the next one, but you can be sure Atletico will have a strong team next season.’

Speaking before his team’s 2-1 King’s Cup win over city rivals Real, Falcao was coy on his next move, saying: ‘I keep myself apart of what is being discussed. If it was up to the press, I would have already been transferred to Chelsea, Real Madrid and Manchester United.

‘I don’t find any news that is being said about me to be true, and the only real thing is that I am under contract until 2016. All the rest is only speculation.’

The former River Plate forward cost Atletico £35m from Porto two seasons ago.